Birchfield entertained Eagle RUFC in the Semi Final of The Lancashire Bowl on Saturday, and with local bragging rights also on the line, it was sure to be a great game. The large crowd where not to be disappointed, as the game swung from one way to the other throughout the full 80 minutes.
Eagle kicked off and was immediately on the front foot. With Birchfield trying to clear their lines, possession was gifted to the visitors, and strong play from their backline allowed them to creep over in the corner, 0-5.
Even at this early stage, Birchfield needed a quick response and it came within 10 minutes. The home forwards reverted to type and a maul which was destined for the try line was brought down by Eagle, which could possibly have warranted a penalty try. However, a penalty was given and quick thinking from Clark and Hughes got Woods over in the corner. Royle converted from wide out, 7-5.
On 15 minutes, Birchfield had the chance to stretch their slender lead, but Ben Royle’s penalty from 40 metres was unsuccessful. 5 minutes later, Owen Bebb picked up a loose ball and powered over from 20 metres close enough for Royle to tag on the extras, 14-5.
With Birchfield now having built a decent lead, the home crowd expected them to go on and win the game comfortably. Eagle, however, had other ideas. Almost immediately they where back up the other end and pressurising the Birchfield line. Constant pressure on the try line told, and a back rower forced his way through a ruck to dot down, converted, 14-12.
On 30 minutes, Bebb was at it again and scythed through the Eagle defence virtually untouched for his second try of the game. Again, Royle converted, 21-12.
As was earlier in the game, Eagle where not about to lie down. An uncharacteristic error from Dennett at the kick off was pounced upon by the Eagle forwards. Despite using a relatively direct form of attack, perhaps influenced by the rugby league background of the Eagle outfit, the Warrington side where causing problems. Numerous carries where making ground, and eventually their centre barged his way over from close range. Conversion missed, 21-17.
Half Time, 21-17.
The second half got underway and Birchfield seemed to be fired up. Good pressure forced an Eagle knock on. A solid platform was provided by the pack, and the ball went back to Royle who slotted a drop goal from 30 metres, 24-17.
On 50 minutes, Birchfield struck again, when a good break down the blindside by Captain Beswick freed up pace man Lee Holland to cross in the corner. Royle was again on hand to convert, 31-17.
Moments later, more indiscipline by Eagle allowed Royle yet another shot at goal, which he duly accepted, 34-17.
With 20 minutes remaining, and Birchfield thinking they had done enough, Eagle hit a purple patch of their own. Strong carrying from 1 to 15 had Birchfield struggling, and when the home side began to fall off tackles, it was never going to be straight forward from here on in.
Eagle scored 3 tries in 15 minutes, of which 2 were converted to take them into a quite unbelievable lead with just 5 minutes remaining, 34-36.
Obviously, at this stage, Birchfield had no option but to throw everything they had at the next kick off. Eagle seemed to diffuse the situation, and began to play out some phases around half way. They were perhaps guilty of overplaying slightly, and they paid for it when they gave away yet another ruck penalty. At 50 metres out, it was just out of range for Royle, so Birchfield opted to kick for touch.
The home pack set up a superb maul, from 20 metres out, which again was destined for the Eagle try line. With 2 metres to go, some skulduggery from the visitors brought the maul to ground again, which should have certainly been a penalty try; however the referee only saw fit to award a penalty. Royle converted to give Birchfield a slender lead, 37-36.
With the referee calling last play, the Eagle captain inexplicably kicked the ball out on the full to bring an end to the game.
Full Time, 37-36.
Birchfield shown a lot of character to pick themselves up after going behind so late on, but they must now learn from this. To surrender a 17 point lead with 20 minutes left to play is criminal, and better sides would have certainly put them to the sword. Also, Birchfield defence in this game was well below par, with Eagle playing route one rugby and scoring 5 tries in the process. This is something that all Birchfield sides have prided themselves on, and a much better effort is needed next time out.
They will now travel to Wigan RUFC on 11th May 2014 to play Ashton under Lyne RUFC in the Lancashire Bowl Final. With Ashton sitting mid table in North Lancs One, it is sure to be Birchfield toughest test of a long season.
Report by Paul Hughes.